Security in uncharted locations, as a Digital Nomad

What is a Digital Nomad?

The definition of a digital nomad is someone that works remotely but is constantly traveling from one place to another. 

They rely on portable devices with wireless internet capabilities, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones to do their work wherever they want.

People choose the digital nomad lifestyle because they want to be able to work remotely, and have more time to do the things they love.

They often have different needs when it comes to packing for their trips, 

What do digital nomads need?

Besides food, water, and shelter, a digital nomad needs:

• A non-distracting work environment

• Hotspot/WiFi

• Travel Bag

• Electronics Organizer

• Portable Charger

• Headphones/Headset

• External Hard Drive

• Lap Desk/computer stand

Most digital nomads aren’t picky and are willing to adapt to the environment they live in. This being said, the ability to talk and interact with people regularly helps to encourage productive work. So the use of communal study areas

Where do digital nomads live?

The majority of nomads live in hotels (51%), then with friends/family (41%), Airbnb (36%), car/RV/van (21%), and hostels (16%).

With this in mind there are many factors that need to be implemented to ensure the best possible safety and security well traveling for work.
We will cover some of them and split them into 2 sections the digital side and the physical.

The digital and cyber security
Keeping your personal information and data safe.
1. Reliable VPN Service

I can’t emphasize this one enough. Yes, it is super handy to get free WIFI at airports, shopping malls or coffee shops. But please don’t use them without proper protection.

 

Get a VPN (virtual private network), which is basically an encrypted tunnel between your device and the external server, which helps save your sensitive data.

As a digital nomad, you will have plenty of data to protect. Just think of things like banking information or personal information about customers or clients. It is your duty and responsibility to make sure this is safe. Convening with GDPR

Important advantages of a VPN

• Not even people, who are using the same network as you, can see your data.

• Malicious operators can’t tap your information.

• Malicious operators can’t route you to phishing pages.

• Online advertisers have a harder time tracking and profiling you.

• You can access sites that are normally blocked due to government censorship.

2. Mobile Hotspot

Another way to avoid threats in public WIFI networks is to have your own personal internet connection with you. Yep, that’s possible and super easy.

 

There are plenty of mobile hotspots out there. The way how most of them work is by inserting a local SIM card with data volume and connecting your devices to it.

That’s totally fine for many casual travelers. However, if you travel a lot and change countries quite frequently, buying new SIM cards all the time gets a bit annoying and impractical.

Is there a better option? Yes, there is! The global hotspot Skyroam operates without you having to buy any local SIM cards at all. The device simply picks a local internet provider itself and hence, gives you a strong connection.

This little device is really super handy and a great backup plan for those moments, when you can’t get any other WIFI connection, e.g. on a train or remote hotel.

And always back up your data. This could be on an external hard drive or USB device or in the cloud with cloud platforms.

Remember, keep your personal information secure from hackers and Internet scammers. Don’t fall victim to phishing attacks (think twice and click once)

We discuss this deeper in the following blog posts.

Lets Cast a Net on your Internet security

Social Media, Who’s watching the watchers?

Now is the time to focus on the physical side of security.

• Backpack. (There are many options available that already have extra security features in places such as anti-slash and lockable reinforced zips making pickpockets and opportunistic theft harder.)

• GPS Tracker. For your gear. For yourself.
(Great small and often cheap tracking devices that can help you locate lost or stolen items also perfect for helping emergency services to locate you if you ever find yourself lost well hiking the back county.)

• Travel Insurance. (A must for international travel to keep yourself safe and cut down unexpected costs in case of an emergency.)

• Keep up to date with the local news.
(Knowing what’s going on around you is often overlooked when you are having fun and relaxing yet have an idea of potential risks and local news could be the difference between enjoying the country or putting yourself in real danger.)

• don’t bring what you don’t really need.
(Standing out like a sore thumb, well a tourist anyway. Try not to show your wealth keep the expensive watch at home and don’t draw attention to yourself that could cause theft or harm.
The same goes for blending in try to dress like the locals. Women cover up well in Islamic countries and use a headscarf.)

• keep all of your belongings where you can see them (in trains, public spaces, etc. Remember that pickpockets and thieves work all over the world. )

• stay conscious and be aware of what’s happening around you
Having good situational awareness involves knowing what is going on around you and reading people to help know when something bad is going to happen.

We have covered many of these topics before.
Here are some of the links to learn more.

Travel Advice From A Military Mindset.

Travel and Hotel Security Advice

Kidnap and Abductions

How to read people like a book

Red Team Consultant’s wishes you all a safe and exciting time following your dreams and becoming location independent and joining the growing number of digital nomads across the world.